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Maternal Warning Signs

Look for Urgent Maternal Warning Signs & Symptoms during pregnancy and for a year after. If you or someone you care for has any of these symptoms during or after pregnancy, contact your health care provider and get help right away.

If you can’t reach your provider, go to an emergency room, or call 9-1-1. This list is not meant to cover every symptom you might have.


You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, or you aren’t sure if it is serious, talk to your health care provider.


Be sure to tell them if you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.


Urgent Maternal Warning Signs 

If you experience any of these warning signs, get medical care right away

  • Severe headache that won't go away or gets worse over time

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

  • Changes in your eyesight

  • Fever of 100.4° F or higher

  • Extreme swelling of your hands or face

  • Trouble breathing

  • Chest pain or fast-beating heart

  • Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)

  • Severe belly pain that doesn't go away

  • Baby stops moving or slows down during pregnancy

  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy

  • Your leg hurts, swells, or appears red

  • Extreme tiredness


This list is not meant to cover everything you might experience. If you feel like something just isn't right, talk to your health care provider. Be sure to tell them if you're pregnant or if you were pregnant in the last year.


See videos from CDC's Hear Her campaign >

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